Predicción del riesgo coronario en la Artritis Reumatoide mediante variables asociadas a su actividad inmunológica / Prediction of coronary risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis by variables associated with its immunological activity

Introducción: el pronóstico del riesgo coronario a partir de la actividad en la artritis reumatoide constituye un problema aún vigente. Objetivos: evaluar la capacidad predictiva de factor reumatoide, proteína C reactiva, C3-C4 complemento, y el índice de actividad de la enfermedad empleándose 28 articulaciones sobre el riesgo coronario en esta enfermedad Métodos: se realizó un estudio longitudinal-prospectivo en una muestra de 50 pacientes. Los niveles séricos de: factor reumatoide, proteína c reactiva, C3, C4 complemento, lipoproteína(a), apolipoproteínas B y A1 fueron determinados por método inmunoturbidimétrico, mientras Colesterol total, colesterol de lioproteína de baja y alta densidad colesterol por ensayo enzimocolorimétrico. La velocidad de sedimentación globular fue determinada por método de Westergreen. El riesgo coronario se definió según valores deseables, o no, de los indicadores: lipoproteína (a), cocientes Apolipoproteína B/Apolipoproteína A1, colesterol de lipoproteína de baja densidad/colesterol de lipoproteína de alta densidad, Apolipoproteína B/colesterol de lipoproteína de baja densidad e índice aterogénico. Se empleó el programa estadístico SPSS, versión 18.0 para el análisis. Resultados: el perfil de actividad inmunoinflamatoria de la captación mostró adecuada capacidad predictiva sobre el riesgo coronario [regresión logística: Test de Hosmer y Lemeshow: (p= 0,54), porciento global de predicción correcta: 64 y 90 por ciento, al primer y tercer mes]. Las variables C3 complemento, C4 complemento e índice de actividad de la enfermedad contribuyeron a la predicción directa del riesgo coronario según cocientes Apolipoproteína B/Apolipoproteína A1, colesterol de lipoproteína de baja densidad/colesterol de lipoproteína de alta densidad e índice aterogénico (p asociada al Odds ratio ≤ 0,05). Los marcadores del metabolismo lipoproteico estudiados, excepto el cociente Apolipoproteína B/colesterol de lipoproteína de baja densidad, correspondientes al mes y tercer mes de seguimiento fueron pronosticados a partir de C4, C3 complemento, índice de actividad de la enfermedad y proteína C reactiva al momento de la captación (regresión lineal: R2 con p asociada ≤ 0,05). El factor reumatoide no contribuyó a la predicción longitudinal del riesgo coronario estudiado. Conclusiones: se demostró la utilidad del perfil de marcadores de actividad de la artritis reumatoide analizados en la predicción del riesgo coronario(AU)

Introduction: the prognosis of coronary risk from the activity in rheumatoid arthritis is still a problem. Objectives: to evaluate the predictive capacity of rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein, C3-C4 complement, and the activity index of the disease using 28 joints on coronary risk in this disease Methods: a longitudinal-prospective study was carried out in a sample of 50 patients. The serum levels of: rheumatoid factor, c-reactive protein, C3, C4 complement, lipoprotein (a), apolipoproteins B and A1 were determined by immunoturbidimetric method, while total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density cholesterol by enzyme-correlated assay. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was determined by the Westergreen method. Coronary risk was defined according to desirable values, or not, of the indicators: lipoprotein (a), Apolipoprotein B / Apolipoprotein A1 ratios, low density lipoprotein cholesterol / high density lipoprotein cholesterol, Apolipoprotein B / low lipoprotein cholesterol density and atherogenic index. The statistical program SPSS, version 18.0 was used for the analysis. Results: the profile of immunoinflammatory activity of the uptake showed adequate predictive capacity on coronary risk [logistic regression: Hosmer and Lemeshow test: (p = 0.54), overall percentage of correct prediction: 64 and 90 percent, to the first and third month]. The variables C3 complement, C4 complement and index of disease activity contributed to the direct prediction of coronary risk according to the Apolipoprotein B / Apolipoprotein A1, low density lipoprotein cholesterol / high density lipoprotein cholesterol and atherogenic index (p associated with Odds ratio ≤ 0.05). The lipoprotein metabolism markers studied, except for the Apolipoprotein B / low density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, corresponding to the month and third month of follow-up were predicted from C4, C3 complement, disease activity index and C-reactive protein at the time of the uptake (linear regression: R2 with associated p≤0.05). The rheumatoid factor did not contribute to the longitudinal prediction of coronary risk studied. Conclusions: the usefulness of the profile of activity markers of rheumatoid arthritis analyzed in the prediction of coronary risk was demonstrated(AU)

Incapacitação e qualidade de vida não são influenciadas pela prevalência de autoanticorpos em pacientes com artrite reumatoide inicial - resultados da Coorte Brasília / Disability and quality-of-life are not influenced by the prevalence of autoantibodies in early rheumatoid arthritis patients - results of the Brasília Cohort

INTRODUÇÃO: Embora muitos estudos sugiram que a presença de autoanticorpos, tais como fator reumatoide (FR) e/ou antipeptídeos citrulinados cíclicos (anti-CCP), sejam preditores de danos articulares na artrite reumatoide (AR), a associação entre os questionários de incapacidade e de qualidade de vida ainda são desconhecidos. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a correlação entre os questionários Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) e Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) com marcadores como FR, anti-CCP e antivimentina citrulinada (anti-Sa). PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados no momento do diagnóstico 65 pacientes da Coorte Brasília com AR inicial. Foram realizadas sorologias (ELISA) para FR (IgM, IgG e IgA), anti-CCP (CCP2, CCP3 e CCP3.1) e anti-Sa, com a aplicação do HAQ e SF-36 na avaliação inicial. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 45 anos, predominando o gênero feminino (86%). Na avaliação inicial, o FR foi positivo em 32 indivíduos (49,23%); anti-CCP em 34 indivíduos (52,3%); e anti-Sa em nove indivíduos (13,8%). O escore inicial do HAQ foi de 1,8. Os escores dos domínios do SF-36 foram: emocional, 19,3; social, 43,1; dor, 25,43; estado geral, 57,6; saúde mental, 48,1; vitalidade, 49,5; físico, 4,6; e limitação por aspecto físico, 24,7. HAQ e escores do SF-36 não variaram com os níveis de autoanticorpos. CONCLUSÃO: Muitos pacientes com AR inicial apresentam comprometimento na qualidade de vida relacionada aos domínios da capacidade física e mental. Embora FR e anti-CCP tenham sido relacionados com dano articular e pior prognóstico clínico, não há correlação entre os questionários e as avaliações da qualidade de vida e incapacidade.

INTRODUCTION: Although many studies have suggested that the presence of autoantibodies, such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and/or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are predictors of joint damage, the association with disability and quality of life questionnaires are not known. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the correlation between the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores with serological markers, such as RF, anti-CCP, and anti-citrullinated vimentin (anti-Sa). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty five patients with early RA (ERA) from the Brasília Cohort of ERA were evaluated. Serology tests (ELISA) for RF (IgM, IgG, and IgA), anti-CCP (CCP2, CCP3, and CCP3.1), and anti-Sa were performed, with the application of the HAQ and SF-36 questionnaires in the initial evaluation. RESULTS: The mean age was 45 years, with a female predominance (86%). At the initial evaluation, RF was positive in 32 individuals (49.23%), anti-CCP in 34 (52.3%), and anti-Sa in nine (13.8%). The initial HAQ score was 1.8. The SF-36 scores were as follow: role-emotional, 19.3; social functioning, 43.1; bodily pain, 25.43; general health, 57.6; mental health, 48.1; vitality, 49.5; role-physical, 4.6; and physical functioning, 24.7. The HAQ and SF-36 scores did not vary with autoantibody levels. CONCLUSION: In many patients, ERA has a major impact on physical ability and health-related quality of life. Although RF and anti-CCP tests have been related with joint destruction and worse clinical prognosis, there is no correlation with the results of questionnaires of quality of life and disability.

Autoanticorpos na artrite reumatoide inicial: coorte Brasília - resultados de uma análise seriada de três anos / Autoantibodies in early rheumatoid arthritis: Brasília cohort - results of a three-year serial analysis

O valor diagnóstico e prognóstico da análise seriada dos anticorpos como fator reumatoide (FR), anticorpos antipeptídeos citrulinados cíclicos (anti-CCP) e antivimentina citrulinada (anti-Sa) não está definido nos pacientes com artrite reumatoide inicial (ERA). OBJETIVOS: Avaliar de forma prospectiva a presença de FR, anti-CCP e anti-Sa em pacientes com ERA. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Quarenta pacientes da coorte Brasília de ERA (menos de 12 meses) foram avaliados e monitorados durante três anos. Os dados clínicos e demográficos foram registrados, além dos resultados (ELISA) para FR (IgM, IgG e IgA), anti-CCP (CCP2, CCP3 e CCP3.1) e anti-Sa na avaliação inicial e aos 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 e 36 meses de acompanhamento. Comparações pelos testes t de Student e t pareado. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 45 anos, 90% dos pacientes do gênero feminino. No momento do diagnóstico, FR foi observado em 50% dos casos (FR IgA 42%, FR IgG 30% e FR IgM 50%), anti-CCP em 52,5% (não houve diferença entre CCP2, CCP3 e CCP3.1) e anti-Sa em 10%. Após três anos, não houve diferença na prevalência de FR e anti-CCP, mas a de anti-Sa aumentou para 17,5% (P = 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A análise repetida do FR e anti-CCP, incluindo aqui diferentes isotipos, durante três anos de acompanhamento, não mostrou mudanças significativas. A terceira geração do anti-CCP não aumentou o valor diagnóstico dos testes de segunda geração.

The diagnostic and prognostic value of the serial measurement of antibodies, such as rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), and anti-citrullinated vimentin (anti-Sa) antibodies, has not been defined in early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA). OBJECTIVES: To prospectively assess the presence of RF, anti-CCP, and anti-Sa in ERA patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty ERA (less than 12 months) patients of the Brasília cohort were evaluated and followed up for three years. Both clinical and demographic data were recorded, in addition to the results (ELISA) of RF (IgM, IgG, and IgA), anti-CCP (CCP2, CCP3, and CCP3.1), and anti-Sa at the baseline assessment and after 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months of follow-up. The results were compared by use of Student t test and paired t test. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 45 years, and 90% of them were female. At the time of diagnosis, RF was identified in 50% of the patients (RF IgA, 42%; RF IgG, 30%; and RF IgM, 50%), anti-CCP in 52.5% (no difference between CCP2, CCP3, and CCP3.1), and anti-Sa in 10%. After three years, no difference was observed in RF and anti-CCP prevalence, but anti-Sa increased to 17.5% (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Repeated RF and anti-CCP measurement, including different isotypes, during three years of follow-up showed no significant changes. The third generation of anti-CCP assays did not increase the diagnostic value of the second-generation assays.

Anticorpos antipeptídeos citrulinados e fator reumatoide em pacientes sudaneses com infecção por Leishmania donovani / Anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies and rheumatoid factor in Sudanese patients with Leishmania donovani infection

OBJETIVO: Este estudo avaliou a presença de anticorpos antipeptídeos citrulinados cíclicos (anti-CCP), fator reumatoide (FR) e imunocomplexos circulantes (ICC) em pacientes sudaneses infectados por Leishmania donovani. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Os soros foram coletados de pacientes infectados por Leishmania (n = 116) e de sudaneses saudáveis (n = 93). Dezenove pacientes sudaneses com artrite reumatoide (AR) e anti-CCP+ foram incluídos como controles positivos. Os níveis de ICC e anti-CCP foram medidos por ELISA. Para avaliar a reatividade citrulina-específica foi usada a placa-controle com peptídeos-controle cíclicos contendo arginina em vez de citrulina. RESULTADOS: Entre os pacientes infectados por Leishmania e os pacientes com AR e anti-CCP+, a maioria (86%) era positiva para FR, enquanto a frequência de positividade para ICC foi maior entre pacientes com leishmaniose visceral (LV) (LV 38%; AR e anti-CCP+ 24%). Quando foi analisada a reatividade anti-CCP, 12% dos pacientes com LV foram positivos. Os níveis de anti-CCP entre os pacientes com LV correlacionaram-se bem com os níveis de ICC encontrados (r = 0,65; P < 0,0001). No grupo de AR não foi encontrada associação entre ICC e anti-CCP. A possibilidade de que a positividade para anti-CCP se deva a reações cruzadas com ICC foi descartada experimentalmente. Ao contrário do que foi visto no soro dos sudaneses com AR, a reatividade anti-CCP não se restringiu à citrulina, mas houve reação igual com os peptídeos-controle com arginina. CONCLUSÃO: O fato de a reatividade CCP não se ter restringido à citrulina comprova tratar-se mais de um efeito de inflamação extensa e ativação imune do que de um sinal de características patogênicas compartilhadas com artrite anti-CCP. Nossos achados ressaltam a importância de se interpretar um teste CCP positivo com cuidado ao se avaliar condições não reumáticas ou em áreas onde tais infecções predominam.

OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the presence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides antibodies (anti-CCP), rheumatoid factor (RF), and circulating immune complexes (CIC) in Sudanese patients infected with the Leishmania donovani parasite. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sera were collected from Leishmania infected patients (n = 116) and healthy Sudanese (n = 93). Nineteen Sudanese anti-CCP+ RA patients were included as positive controls. Levels of CIC and anti-CCP were measured by ELISA. Control plate with cyclic control peptides containing arginine instead of citrulline was used to evaluate citrulline specifi c reactivity. RESULTS: Among Leishmania-infected patients and anti-CCP+ RA patients, most were RF positive (86%), while the frequency of CIC positivity was higher among visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients (VL 38%; anti-CCP+ RA 24%). When anti-CCP reactivity was analysed, 12% of VL patients were found to be positive. The levels of anti-CCP among VL patients correlated well with the CIC levels found (r = 0.65, P < 0.0001). In RA group, no association was found between CIC and anti-CCP. The possibility that anti-CCP positivity was due to cross reactions with CIC was experimentally ruled out. Contrary to what was seen in Sudanese RA sera, the CCP reactivity was not restricted to citrulline but reacted equally well with the arginine control peptide. CONCLUSION: The finding that CCP reactivity was not restricted to citrulline argues that this is more an effect of extensive inflammation and immune activation than a sign of shared pathogenic characteristics with anti-CCP arthritis. Our fi ndings stress the importance to interpret a positive CCP test carefully when evaluated in non-rheumatic conditions or in areas where such infections predominate.

Antibodies to citrullinated peptides are not associated with the rate of joint destruction in patients with a well-established diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis

Antibodies to citrullinated peptides are highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and represent a significant risk factor for undifferentiated polyarthritis. This prognostic ability may be related to the very diagnostic performance of these autoantibodies, since RA is a more erosive disease than other forms of arthritis. The present study evaluated an association of antibodies to citrullinated peptides and the rate of joint destruction in patients with a well-established diagnosis of RA. Seventy-one patients with RA were evaluated in 1994 and again in 2002 (functional class, joint count, Health Assessment Questionnaire score, hands X-ray). Autoantibodies (rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-perinuclear factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies) and Sharp's index were analyzed blindly. Delta Sharp was calculated as the difference in Sharp's index obtained in 1994 and 2002. During the follow-up the Health Assessment Questionnaire score increased from 0.91 ± 0.74 to 1.39 ± 0.72 (P < 0.001). Similarly, the number of swollen joints increased from 4.6 ± 5.71 to 6.4 ± 4.1 (P = 0.002). The frequency of autoantibodies and anti-CCP titer remained stable; however, serum RF concentration increased from 202.8 ± 357.6 to 416.6 ± 636.5 IU/mL (P = 0.003). Sharp's index increased from 56.7 ± 62.1 to 92.4 ± 80.9 (P < 0.001). No correlation was observed between Delta Sharp and the presence of RF, anti-perinuclear factor, and anti-CCP antibodies at baseline. Antibodies to citrullinated epitopes are specific and early markers for the diagnosis of RA but do not seem to be associated with the rate of joint destruction in patients with a well-established diagnosis of RA.

Autoanticuerpos tisulares y factor reumatoideo en la infección crónica por virus de la hepatitis C / Tissue autoantibodies and rheumatoid factor in the chronic hepatitis C virus infection

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de autoanticuerpos titulares y de factor reumatoideo (FR) en la infección crónica por Virus de la Hepatitis C (VHC) y su relación con el genotipo viral y tratamiento antiviral. Este estudio incluyó a 21 pacientes infectados con VHC y 24 sujetos sanos. Los autoanticuerpos: antinucleares (ANA), anti-músculo liso (ASMA), anti-mitocondriales (AMA) y anti-microsomales de hígado y riñón-1 (LKM-1) fueron investigados por inmunofluorescencia indirecta y el FR por aglutinación de látex. ANA fueron detectados en el 43% de pacientes y en el 4% de controles (p<0,05). ASMA, AMA Y LKM-1 no se detectaron en pacientes ni en controles. El FR estuvo presente en el 48% de los pacientes, pero en ninguno de los controles. En pacientes ANA (+) y/o FR (+), el nivel de la enzima alanina-aminotransferasa fue similar al nivel detectado en pacientes ANA y FR negativos. Además, la presencia de ANA o FR no estuvo asociada con el genotipo viral o tratamiento antiviral. En conclusión, una alta prevalencia de ANA y FR a títulos bajos pueden ser detectados en la infección crónica por VHC. Estas manifestaciones autoinmunes no están relacionadas con signos bioquímicos de daño hepático, ni genotipo viral o tratamiento antiviral.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of tissue autoantibodies and rheumatoid factor (RF) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and their relationship with viral genotype and antiviral treatment. This study included 21 patients infected with HCV and 24 healthy subjects. Anti-nuclear (ANA), anti-smooth muscle (SMA), anti-mitochondrial (AMA) and anti-liver-kidney microsomal-1 (LKM-1) autoantibodies were investigated by indirect immunofluorescence technique, and RF by latex agglutination. ANA were found in 43% of the patients with HCV infection and 4% of the controls (p<0.05). SMA, AMA and LKM-1 were absent from both groups (patients and controls). RF was detected in 48% of the patients but none of the controls. The level of serum alanine aminotransferasa enzyme was similar in all the patients' positive or negative results for ANA and/ or RF. Furthermore, the presence of ANA or RF was not associated with viral genotype or antiviral treatment. In conclusion, a high prevalence of ANA and RF at low titre can be detected in patients with HCV chronic infection. These autoimmune manifestations are not related with biochemical findings of hepatic injury, nor with genotype or antiviral treatment.

Moyamoya disease associated with positive findings for rheumatoid factor and myeloperoxidase-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody / La enfermedad de moyamoya asociada con hallazgos positivos en relación con el factor reumatoideo y los anticuerpos citoplasmáticos antineutrófilos mieloperoxidasa

A 39-year old female suddenly fell into a state of unconsciousness. She had no significantpast medical history. A computed tomography scan of the head demonstrated a massive left putaminal haemorrhage with a ventricular perforation, low density areas in the right frontal lobe, corona radiata and occipital lobe. A single emergency burr hole drainage of the haematoma was performed. Bilateral common carotid arteriograms showed stenosis of the right internal carotid artery and a complete obstruction of left internal carotid artery which were both accompanied by moyamoya vessels. The biochemical studies indicated serological positive findings for RF and MPO-ANCA. She was transferred to another hospital for nursing care in a vegetative state on the 163nd hospital day. This case indicates that immunological factors, inflammation or vasculitis might have possibly been associated with the development of either an obstruction or stenosis of the intracranial internal carotid arteries.

Diagnostic Performances of Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptides Antibody and Antifilaggrin Antibody in Korean Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. We studied the diagnostic performances of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides antibody (anti-CCP) assay and recombinant anti-citrullinated filaggrin antibody (AFA) assay by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in patients with RA in Korea. Diagnostic performances of the anti-CCP assay and AFA assay were compared with that of rheumatoid factor (RF) latex fixation test. RF, anti-CCP, and AFA assays were performed in 324 RA patients, 251 control patients, and 286 healthy subjects. The optimal cut off values of each assay were determined at the maximal point of area under the curve by receiver-operator characteristics (ROC) curve. Sensitivity (72.8%) and specificity (92.0%) of anti-CCP were better than those of AFA (70.3%, 70.5%), respectively. The diagnostic performance of RF showed a sensitivity of 80.6% and a specificity of 78.5%. Anti-CCP and AFA showed positivity in 23.8% and 17.3% of seronegative RA patients, respectively. In conclusion, we consider that anti-CCP could be very useful serological assay for the diagnosis of RA, because anti-CCP revealed higher diagnostic specificity than RF and AFA at the optimal cut off values and could be performed by easy, convenient ELISA method.

Frecuencia de asociación del factor reumatoide en pacientes con cáncer de mama / Frequency of association of rheumatoid factor and breast cancer

Antecedentes: existen reportes de que algunos pacientes con cáncer sufren fenómenos autoinmunes, por autoanticuerpos, lo que ha sugerido una relación entre autoinmunidad y cáncer. Nuestro interés fue determinar la frecuencia de asociación del factor reumatoide y el cáncer de mama. Material y método: se estudiaron 50 pacientes, 31 en estadio III y 19 con estadio IV, a las cuales se determinó el factor reumatoide, se utilizó método de ELISA para la determinación sérica de los autoanticuerpos. Se hizo una revisión del expediente clínico del paciente para determinar la existencia de metástasis (ósea, pulmonar, SNC y hepática) así como el tipo histológico del cáncer y correlacionar la expresión del factor reumatoide con el estado clínico del paciente. Resultados: de las 31 pacientes estudiadas, del estadio III, cuatro mostraron FR (+) una asociación del 12.9 por ciento, y nueve de las 19 pacientes del estadio IV fueron positivas al FR (+) (47.3 por ciento); el promedio de edad de las pacientes en estadio III y FR (+) fue de 48 años y de estadio IV de 53 años. En las pacientes del estadio III y FR (+) sólo hubo metástasis locorregional, mientras que en las pacientes de estadio IV y FR (+) hubo metástasis a distancia. El tipo histológico predominante en ambos estadios fue el adenocarcinoma. Conclusiones: en este estudio se muestra cómo los estadios más avanzados del cáncer de mama tienen mayor expresión del FR y, a su vez, mayor deterioro clínico a mayor expresión. El llegar a proponer a los autoanticuerpos como predictores de gravedad en cáncer requiere mayor estudio y aplicación en varios tipos de cáncer.

Differential production of IgM and IgA rheumatoid factors in peripheral blood and synovium of patients with pheumatoid arthritis

Total IgM, IgA, and IgM-rheumatoid factor [RF] and IgA-RF were quantitated in the serum and synovial fluid of 35 seropositive and 8 seronegative rheumatoid arthritis [RA] patients, using a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Mononuclear cells isolated from peripheral blood and synovial fluid of three seropositive patients were also stimulated in vitro with phorbol myristate acetate [PMA] and culture supernatants collected for measurement of total immunoglobulin [Ig] and RF. Our results demonstrated that as a proportion of total Ig, IgM-RF and IgA-RF were significantly higher in the synovial fluid of seropositive patients compared to their serum level. Similar results were observed for in vitro stimulated culture supernatants from the same patients. This difference, however, was not evident in the seronegative group of patients. These results indicate that synovium could be considered as the original site of RF production in seropositive RA patients, and that different repertoires of Blymphocytes may be involved in RF production in peripheral blood and synovial tissues of affected joints

Cervical spine involvement in rheumatoid arthritis: prevalence and relationship with overall disease severity.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects the cervical spine in 20-90% of patients in Western countries. We report the prevalence of cervical spine involvement in RA and its relationship with duration of disease, seropositivity, hand joint erosions and symptoms and signs suggestive of cervical spine involvement. 100 patients with RA criteria were included. Apart from clinical history and examination, study included X-rays of the cervical spine in AP, open mouth and lateral views and posteroanterior view of hands and rheumatoid factor estimation. All X-rays were read by a radiologist who was unaware of the clinical details. Cervical spine involvement was seen in 65% of patients. The commonest abnormality was erosions of the odontoid process (47%), followed by atlanto-axial dislocation and apophyseal joint involvement (24%). Only 5% of patients had abnormalities of spinous processes or vertebral bodies. Patients with abnormal cervical spine radiographs had higher prevalence of rheumatoid factor and erosions on hand radiographs. Severity of cervical spine changes was related to duration of disease (> 5 years). No correlation was seen between symptoms and radiological abnormalities except when neurological deficit was present. Patients with seropositivity, erosive disease and disease duration greater than five years should be screened for cervical spine disease.

Wa idiotype in seropositive rheumatoid arthritis

Antibodies against cross-reactive idiotypes (CRIs) may prove useful as phenotypic tracers of immunoglobulin variable region genes (VH or VL). CRIs of human rheumatoid factors (RFs) seem to be useful in the elucidation of the incidence and structural characteristics of the latter. Anti-Wa CRI antibodies were produced and an enzyme immunoassay was developed to test polyclonal RFs isolated from sera of 20 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, 7 males and 13 females, aged 17 to 74 years. Seventeen patients had clinically active disease and three were in remission. Disease duration ranged from 1 to 25 years and RF titers ranged from 1:160 to 1:640. The immunoassay could detect as little as 8 ng of a monoclonal purified WaRF and positive results were found in 30 per cent of patient sera. Therefore, we may conclude that at least part of the RFs seen in RA patients derives from germ line genes

[Rhumatoid factors: methods of detection diagnostic value]

Since the discovery of rhumatoid factor in 1948, several studies have schown the immuno globulin groups to which they belong [immunoglobulins M, G and A] and their antigenic specificites [Cristallisable fragment [Fc] of human and animal immuno globulins G, hi stones and some nuclear antigens...]. Several arguments plead in favor of the rhumatoid factors of the IgM class being natural antibodies. They would be involved in the immune response and in the defense against infectious agents. Numerous technics have been developed for the detection of the diverse forms of the rhumatoid factors. They have e,volved from the simplest, as agglutination [Latex test or Waaler-Rose reaction] to the most elaborated [immunoenzymatic, radioimmunologic and nephelometric assay]. However the former are, still, the most used. Utilization of reference sera from WHO allows the data to be expressed in international unit and the comparison between laboratories. Clinico biological correlation studies have shown that Waaler-Rose is positive in 70% of rhumatoid arthritis cases. Rhumatoid factor is also frequent in rhumatismal diseases, infectious diseases, systemic diseases and other diseases. Rhumatoid factor is also found in healthy subject and its frequency increases with age from 1 to 5% under 65 years to 7 to 30% after 65 years

Acción de la auroterapia oral sobre la respuesta inmune de pacientes con artritis reumatoidea / Action of oral aurotherapy in immune response of rheumatoid arthritis patients

Se han estudiado las respuestas inmunes celular (RIC) y humoral (RIH) en 13 pacientes afectados de artritis reumatoides (AR) "definida" o "clásica", antes y después de 6 a 12 meses de tratamiento con 6mg/día de auranofin. Se ha observado un aumento en la frecuencia de positividad de algunas pruebas cutáneas (PPD, PHA, candidina) y de estimulación cutánea con DNCB, una reducción o negativización de los títulos de factor reumatoideo y del número de linfocitos B (rosetas EAC) y una normalización de los niveles séricos de IgG y complemento. Se concluye que el auranofin es capaz de influir positivamente en la RIC y normalizar algunos parámetros de la RIH, actuando como un inmunomodulador en el tratamiento de la AR